The use of illicit drugs is subject to much public concern and contention. Of the most popular and widely used is marijuana. Derived of the plant Cannabis sativa, the growing acceptance of marijuana's medicinal purposes as well as the continuing government campaign against drugs has created a renewed awareness of marijuana. By definition, marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug; considered a soft drug, it consists of the dried leaves of the hemp plant; smoked or chewed for euphoric effect1. In the past thirteen years, the number of people fifteen or older, who have used the drug, has nearly doubled in Canada2. The debate over legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana in Canada has been on-going since 19723, but still there has been no verdict. There have been several debates between the political parties about legalizing marijuana, but at this time there are still significant concerns about the issue and the focus has been on the eradication or limiting the use of marijuana.

The Centre Block on Parliament Hill, containing th...

English: Stephen Harper, Canadian Prime Minister

Internal development of Canada's internal borders,...

While the social views and border policies will potentially serve to lower the criminal rates of marijuana use, it is the judicial system and government of Canada that will ultimately determine its role in Canadian society. It is this area which truly reflects the concerns about marijuana's effect on the nation as a whole, either as a harmful substance leading to greater crimes or as an accepted drug of choice, like alcohol. An examination of each of the three areas, including border policies, influences of lobby groups and foreign nations, current laws and social outlooks will determine that the push for eradication of marijuana use is the direction the Canadian government needs to go in order to limit or accept this drug into society.

Canada's first object that has played a small role, but has had an impact...

... United States government's current position on narcotics is prohibition. The cornerstone of drug prohibition in America came with the Harrison Narcotic Act of 1914. The Harrison Act restricted the use of opiates, such as morphine, heroin, and cocaine, to medicinal purposes ...

... agencies which fall under the Department of Justice. As the name implies, the DEA is mainly responsible for combating drug use and trafficking throughout the United States and beyond. The DEA is responsible for enforcing the laws and regulations set by the Federal Government ...

... United States . Such factors include the economy, population, values and beliefs, culture, and government. Nadelmann often states that he is for the decriminalization of drug use, not the legalization ...

6 pages65Apr/20063.5

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